Pope meets Palestinian leader, presses for peace talks

October 08, 2009

Pope Benedict XVI met on October 8 with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. A Vatican statement released after the meeting indicated that their conversation had centered on "the need to find a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in which the rights of everyone are recognized and respected." The Pope also voiced his concerns about the welfare of Christians living in the Palestinian territories.

During the meeting, the Pope reportedly asked Abbas about his September 22 meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which took place while both men were in New York US President Barack Obama brought the Israeli and Palestinian leaders together in an effort to revive peace talks.

In a related development, Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Liebermann announced that despite Netanyahu's "summit meeting" with Abbas, he saw no likelihood of a peace agreement with the Palestinian Authority in the near future.

 

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Further information:

• Holy Father Receives President of Palestinian Authority (VIS)
• Pope asks Abbas about Netanyahu meeting
• Israeli FM: No chance for peace deal (AP)